A Build-a-Bear promotion that offered customers the chance to pay their age in exchange for any stuffed toy Thursday had such an overwhelming response that it led to safety concerns.
Build-a-Bear said the first ever Pay Your Age Day generated such long lines and huge crowds that it became a safety issue. The company made the announcement on Facebook about 10:30 a.m.
“Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowds and safety concerns. We have closed lines in our U.S. and Canada stores. We understand some Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible,” Build-a-Bear Workshop wrote on Facebook.
Parents expressed their disappointment on social media.
Y'ALL Build a Bear has shut down all lines! You just made an enemy of thousands of moms who have been standing up for hours with angry, screaming children FOR HOURS.
— Brhe Berry ABC13 (@BrheABC13) July 12, 2018
RIP Build a Bear.
This was the line outside Lynnhaven mall earlier this morning @WTKR3 https://t.co/dSKGzVuBv9 pic.twitter.com/9AxQuuS8zM
@buildabear @emma1885 angry and fuming, we are working parents, my wife is having to drive 100 miles after work to get to a store to take up the offer, and now we have a 2 year old in meltdown she's not getting a bear, perhaps your MD wants to consul her @BBCWatchdog #buildabear
— Dave A (@geekonaleashuk) July 12, 2018
@buildabear not being able to supply the demand on pay-your-age day is bad. making kids have to attend and being turned away at the door is disgusting. #promofail #PayYourAge #buildabear #angryparent
— Graeme Allan (@pieman1872) July 12, 2018
In response to irritated customers, Build-a-Bear said they distributed vouchers to people who were in line but did not get a chance to purchase a toy.